uOttawa Master Plan - Precincts

Core Precinct

The Core Precinct is where the bulk of teaching, research and socializing occurs on campus. With several buildings at or approaching the end of their useful life, there is the potential through redevelopment to accommodate significantly more academic space in the precinct. At the same time, there is a pressing need and opportunity to create new green spaces and better pedestrian connections.

New University Centre (Location to be determined)

Montpetit redevelopment

Learning Centre

New academic or mixed-use building on Lot K

New MacDonald Hall and adjoining building

Pedestrian priority area

University Square

Marion Square

Improved Grande Allée

New uOttawa LRT Station

Pedestrian / bike network improvements

Public realm improvements and service access to Lot K from Laurier

New student residence

Tabaret Precinct

The Tabaret Precinct is the historical heart and an administrative hub of the University, and also home to the Desmarais building. Proximity to the downtown core and the Byward Market make this precinct the ideal location for arts facilities used by both the University and the broader community. The precinct will be incrementally revitalized with new infill developments and building additions designed in a manner that respects the highly valued character of the precinct.

Infill academic buildings

New building

100 Laurier renewal

Arts Court development site

Improved Tabaret Lawn / Grande Allée

Re-designed Waller Street

Improved pedestrian crossing

Intersection improvement

King Edward Precinct

King Edward Avenue will become a more integral part of the campus over time. Redevelopment on both sides of the street can help the University meet needs for academic space, housing and services close to the core of campus. New active uses that serve the University population and the Sandy Hill neighbourhood will be supported by improvements to the King Edward streetscape to make it more inviting and enhance the image of the campus.

Academic / mixed-use development

Potential new buildings

Potential neighbourhood scale infill

Upgraded streetscape

New open space - King Edward Park

New streets / pedestrian connections

New/improved intersections

River Precinct

The three precincts that comprise the Lees area have the potential to contribute significantly to both campus growth and city building. The River Precinct contains mostly obsolete buildings. Over time, it has the potential to become a “campus within the campus” with a strong relationship to the Rideau River.

Consolidation of the Faculty of Health Sciences

Academic or mixed-use buildings

Green quad

Riverfront trail

Pedestrian bridges

Pedestrian access to Lees Station

Dock and boat house

Robinson and Station Precincts

The Station Precinct lands are best suited for high-density development, potentially including University uses. The Robinson Precinct has the potential to become a unique highrise neighbourhood well-connected to the station, parkland to the east, and academic precincts to the north and south.

Improved Lees Avenue streetscape

New Lees LRT Station

Mixed-use development

Ground floor retail/community uses

Multi-use pathway

Intersection improvement

Public Realm Improvements

Residential/mixed-use development

Pedestrian bridge to Lees Station

New street/pedestrian walkway

Alta Vista Precincts

The University’s facilities at Alta Vista are fundamental to its mission and will be critical in advancing uOttawa as a research institution. There are many opportunities to expand facilities, develop new buildings and improve the public realm.